"The security alert, issued on Nov. 25, tells Americans to be aware of "recent property crimes, financial crimes, and robberies that have impacted foreigners in Costa Rica, including U.S. citizens." "Tourists have reported break-ins and armed robberies at Airbnbs and other rental properties," the embassy wrote. "Criminal gangs have targeted foreign-owned businesses and residences for crimes that included robberies, break-ins, and extortion."
She was really excited because she was going out there to meet up with her friend Bethany [Clarke], who she hadn't seen for seven months," Zak tells BBC Newsbeat. He says his 28-year-old sister, a trainee lawyer, was a "very experienced traveller", so seeing her off was nothing out of the ordinary. The siblings' farewell was "more just wishing her to go and have a nice time," says Zak. "'See you when you're back', kind of thing.
The "Level 2" advisory, which was re-published Oct. 7 with an updated summery, alerts travelers they should be aware of potential terrorism in the island country. "There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Maldives," the State Department warned, adding American travelers should "stay aware of your surroundings" and "avoid demonstrations and crowds." The State Department added it was possible attacks may occur around tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, malls, and around local government facilities.
An English tourist was treated in hospital after a knife attack in Temple Bar late on Saturday night, close to where another English tourist was left in a critical condition after an unrelated attack a month ago.
The National Portrait Gallery near Trafalgar Square reported 3,060 crimes in one year, including 1,200 thefts, while their spokesman pointed out only two reportable instances among 1.6 million visitors.
